Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Hindu temple in Labor heartland for Holi

The Prime Minister has been welcomed by large crowds in a Labor heartland days after a $1bn infrastructure promise.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been welcomed with an honoured guard and large crowds as he arrives in the Labor heartland of Sydney’s west to celebrate the Hindu festivals of Holi and Fuldol.

The PM joined revellers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha temple in Kemps Creeks for the famed festival of colour, known for the throwing of vibrant, coloured powders and its deep spiritual significance.

The PM joined BAPS movement founder Mahant Swami Maharaj at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Mr Albanese was also joined Indian guru and spiritual leader of the BAPS movement, Mahant Swami Maharaj, at the site, which opened in 2025 and is the largest traditional stone temple in the country.

It comes days after Mr Albanese promised $1bn to deliver rail connections between Leppington and Bradfield, the “missing link” connecting the new Western Sydney airport to the city’s southwest.

The newly-opened temped is the largest traditional stone temple in the country. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Thousands of revellers were present duri9ng the ceremony. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

The Prime Minister was joined by local MP and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Kemps Creek straddles the Labor-held seats of McMahon, which is held by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen who also attended Saturday’s event, and Werriwa which is held by Anne Stanley.

Indian Australians are becoming an increasingly important demographic for both major parties, with India the third most common place of birth after Australia according to the 2022 census.

Holi, one of the Hindu religions largest annual occasions, is celebrated widely across India and Nepal, and is most well known for large celebrations involving the throwing of brightly coloured powders.

Attendees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Festival in Kemps Creek on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Attendees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Festival in Kemps Creek on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Attendees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Festival in Kemps Creek on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Originally published as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Hindu temple in Labor heartland for Holi